Communicating Across the Gap PDF

Communicating across the Gap Understanding Generational Differences HLSC 344: Small Group Process for the Health Professional Sonia Moorehead, OTD, MA, OT/L  Children are defined as under 12 years old. School groups typically led by school counselor or counselo...

Communicating across the Gap Understanding Generational Differences HLSC 344: Small Group Process for the Health Professional Sonia Moorehead, OTD, MA, OT/L  Children are defined as under 12 years old. School groups typically led by school counselor or counselor from the mental health center. Children Some school groups are activity based and focus on social skills, etc.(frequently led by OT’s) This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC What difficult circumstances can arise for children? Making friends/social skills Education/learning challenges Divorce Abuse Suicidal ideation Substance use Anger management This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY Considerations Screening - some children don’t tolerate group situations Available supports - does a child need 1:1 support to participate? Challenges - At times parents sign children up for groups regardless of appropriateness. Child’s choice and interest must be considered Special demands on the leadership role Must be aware of emerging identities Must work hard to facilitate communication/expression Be aware of attention/focus difficulties Must manage behaviors that are not necessarily acceptable in other settings Need for age/ability appropriate activity Safety Working with Adolescents Leader should like and respect teenagers. Important to establish role of being “in charge” Structure and plan. Expect that they will NOT come prepared. Make it interesting and relevant to them. Be aware of the impact of technology and social media. This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA Adolescents – typical challenges Mood Increasing independence Transitional issues Importance and influence of peers Changes in support systems At-risk youth Developmental challenges Autism spectrum (verbal/non-verbal) Learning challenges ADHD Dyslexia Emotional/behavioral disorders Processing disorders Impact of developmental challenges More symptoms of anxiety and depression Lower self-esteem Greater feelings of loneliness More substance abuse issues Legal issues More likely to be bullied or rejected Higher high school drop out rate This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY Working with older adults General information 55.8 million adults over 65 (2021) 16.8% of the population Population projected to reach 80.8 million by 2040 Great diversity among older adults. Don’t assume anything about level of function. Considerations Physical wellness Mental wellness Natural supports Mobility Cognition Developmental disabilities Inappropriate behaviors This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY  Changing roles Maintaining meaningful occupation Independence/dependence/power Issues for older Isolation, decreasing social supports adults Concerns about physical health & dying Concerns about cognitive health Concerns about cultural/environmental change  Groups for Older Adults Providing information Working towards change Working through personal issues Developing social contacts Exploring new goals in life Communication and Generational Differences  Generation Baby Boomer Millennial GI Generation Alpha (Born Generation Generation after 2011) 1927–1945 1965–1980 1996–2010 Generations 1901–1924 1946–1964 1981–1995 2011 Traditionalist Generation X Generation Z Generation Generations in the Work Force by Percentage Traditionalists (or the Silents): 2% (1925-1945) Baby boomers: 25% (1946-1964) Generation X: 33% (1965-1980) Millennials (Generation Y): 35% (1981-2000) Generation Z: 5% (2001-2020) THE TRADITIONALISTS (AKA the SILENT GENERATION) Born: 1927-1945 Big Band/swing music, Liz Taylor, John Wayne, Pearl Harbor, radio, Dr Spock, and the Rat Pack. Smallest population working.  Traditionalists Characteristics Communication Loyal and expects to work hard Call directly, unless instructed Has respect for authority figures otherwise. Expects consistency and stability Be respectful, punctual, honor chain of command. Disciplined, expects to “do Don’t be informal, use slang or bad without” and make sacrifices language. Conforms to the rules Have a hard copy of the Appreciates more formal etiquette information available to give to Favors formality, detail-oriented them. processes. If applicable, send a hand-written thank you note.  Baby Boomers (1946-1964) One of the largest generations in history Rock and roll and Woodstock Civil Rights Movement Martin Luther King Assassination of John F Kennedy Viet Nam conflict  The Baby Boomer Characteristics Communication May have workaholic tendencies Take time to build a relationship Is optimistic, involved, and has a strong Allow time for questions, discussion, sense of duty and collaboration. Ask for opinions Views work as a measure of self worth Ask if phone or email communication is Values teamwork and recognition for preferred. own contributions Don’t ignore contributions, or neglect “We want it to be easier for our kids to give them credit. than it was for us.” Generation X (1965-1980) Videocassette recorders Video games Household computers Drug related school problems. AIDS: first lethal infectious disease in history not subjected to any quarantine. The Gen X-er Characteristics Communication Self-reliant and resourceful Be direct with minimal small talk. Techno-savvy Be well prepared for any conversation. Values freedom and flexibility Expect to communicate via email Enjoys challenges Don’t micro-manage or treat them like Appreciates feedback slackers. Self-directed in work  Attack of 9/11/2001 GENERATION Y Hurricane Katrina, superstorm Sandy, twitter, Facebook, (Millennial) 1981-1995 Instagram, reality TV, and the Gulf War. Now the largest generation in the workforce  The Millennial Characteristics Communication Optimistic, determined, thrives on They have never lived without change, open communication. technology. Believes she or he can make a Put any important information in difference. writing. Seek challenges and personal Be open to listening to ideas development. Be collaborative and provide Have been told repeatedly that they feedback. are special, expect to be treated that Don’t talk down to them. way  GENERATION Z 1997-2012 Youngest generation in the workforce First digital native generation. 75% rely on social medica for learning news. COVID 19 Tiktok, selfies, influencers. Many more mass shootings than in previous times. Born too late to process significance and impact of 9/11.  The Post-Millennial (Gen Z) (born 1997-2012) Characteristics Communication Digital natives Want to touch base often Most diverse Give recognition and frequent Blurred lines between many areas of feedback life Challenge them Bargain hunters Expects immediate response Early starters - entrepreneurial Prefers candor and honesty High expectations Likes opportunities to grow and try Emphasize individuality new things Higher percentage feel lonely Generation Alpha Born 2010-2025 Technology is the norm. Growing up with IPAD, facial recognition, streaming services. Interested in sustainability, diversity, and inclusion. Will be most ethnically diverse in US history. Exposed to many cultures and views. Providing intergenerational intervention: Individual values, beliefs, spirituality and interests are impacted by an individual’s age and era Requires awareness of generational factors and communication styles Requires flexibility Activity Please see the Class 8 folder on Blackboard.  Resources https://www.britopian.com/data/gen-alpha- characteristics/#:~:text=Generation%20Alpha%20is%20recognized%20for,of%20global% 20and%20environmental%20consciousness. https://www.britopian.com/data/gen-z-trends-2023/ https://www.purdueglobal.edu/education-partnerships/generational-workforce- differences-infographic/ https://www.betterup.com/blog/generational-differences https://www.tutorialspoint.com/generation_gap_at_workplace/generational_difference _functioning.htm https://www.teambonding.com/guide-to-embracing-the-5-generations-in-the- workplace/ https://acl.gov/aging-and-disability-in-america/data-and-research/projected-future- growth-older-population